Thanks to the EAB community over the last few years, the Classic Workbench packs have now reached a high standard of maturity. In light of this, it’s sensible to have one thread for all Classic Workbench developments. It consists of three sections that will be kept up-to-date – Update Status, News, & Current Releases.

Update Status

26th December 2015 - All Packs Updated. Main changes:

Version Info: v28 -> version 28 - update revision 2

No features have changed, hence no change in version number, except updating a few files to the most recent versions:

WHDLoad 18.2 - no more registration required, but please consider making a donation to this brilliant software if possible

This has been the biggest gap between updates since the packs began over 10 years ago!

It's been more of lack of time rather than lack of interest, but I will always come back to throw in a few updates and of course bring WHDLoad up to the latest release.

The big update this time around is all thanks to PeterK and his brilliant Icon.Library, which has made such a huge difference to Workbench users everywhere. It's a library that allows pretty much every type of Amiga Icon, including OS35+ GlowIocns and PNG Icons, to be displayed on a wide range of Amigas and Workbenchs! This is something people have wanted for a very long time.

Not only that, but it has improved performance as well allowing even ECS machines to render icons at acceptable speeds. One thing I'm especially thankful for is that he has kindly put together a pack which allowed me to integrate this into the Scalos run versions, including a FixScalos executable and an example Startup-Script. He has also provided much appreciated support by answering questions about the pack.

Using this pack meant that the IconType functionality built into Scalos requesters was not functional. This was remedied by adding the utility MUIIcon type to the popup menus and works great as a quick alternative to changing Icon Types easily (eg Project, Tool Drawer, Disk etc) in Scalos Info Requesters. As a bonus, the Scalos requesters also get an update with a nice new look and layout.

In the normal Workbench versions (not the Workbench 2.1 GAAE), PeterKs Icon.Library can be easily enabled/disabled as with all other ClassicWB components - using the Settings->Components menu.

In the Scalos versions, you'll find an Install/Remove script in the "MyFiles/Install/Icons" drawer, very similar to how SFS support is added. A Reboot is required to load/flush the relevant LoadModule updates and patches.

Since the ADVSP version is NewIcon by default, all icons will also be converted across to the more efficient OS35+ Glow format during the Install procedure in order to further boost performance. Should you Remove PeterKs Icon Library, the icons will default back to NewIcon format.

The Icon Update tools that come with the ClassicWB pack will also convert icons to the more efficient Glow Icon format if you have PeterKs Library Installed.

Other updates are listed above, but the big news is finally having GlowIcons and PNG Icon Support in all versions except the GAAE.

Also a big thanks to RCK also for hosting the files. I will be using the Donation button very soon RCK as soon as I have my payment details handy.

Well that's it, enjoy and thanks to all of you for keeping EAB alive and kicking!!!

VirusZ and information on important Library files worth updating can be found over at Virus Help Denmark

Why not show some support for the fantastic Scalos. This is a superb Workbench addition and many of the ClassicWB features are only possible through this package. Keep informed and up-to-date by visiting the Homepage. There you can download the latest beta. ClassicWB uses latest (non-beta) public release - 1.2d

Aminet – essential resource for any Workbench user and great source for ClassicWB updates

After five years of slow development, this project is now considered complete.

All future updates will be in the form of a separate small revision package posted on the main site. This will update key programs still in development such as SFS/WHDload and news posted here as normal. Pending a major bug or flaw in the final packages, the structure of the Workbench is no longer under development and all features contained within can be considered final. Everyone can now safely customise their Classic Workbench's for the final time and never have to re-install.

Thanks for all the kind support over the years and hope you've found this project useful.

The main reason for this update is to remove default double click icon support for archives through VoodooX. This was due to it not re-creating empty directories, causing issues with some software and WHDload games upon decompression. It's been replaced with WizArc, using known good shell extractors.

Oh my goodness! Can it be that time of year again?!!! Evil Snowman time soon EABers and that can mean only one thing. It's time for some ClassicWB updates! I'm a little early this year as a house move will be limiting my free time nearer the big day. So here it goes:

ClassicWB v21F has been released!

Yes, I know I said v20F was the last major release, but a change of heart was fuelled by some more cool features to add. Will this be the last major release? Hopefully, but you never know…

People who want the latest version will therefore have to update using a fresh install I’m afraid, as some of the updates can’t be provided without over-writing user settings.

The update packs for v20F will remain available, but no new ones beyond the current u2 are planned.

The first v21F update packs will surface once required (usually when WHDLoad and SFS need updating).

I’m sorry for the inconvenience, but these update packs take too much time if they are permitted to grow too big, as ever more complicated scripts have to be written and tested for backward compatibility as new features are added. The only solution is the occasional fresh start and therefore major step in version number.

In order to celebrate KillerGorilla's brilliant WHDLoad game packs reaching completion, I decided to add full-integrated support to the ClassicWB packs. This version replaces the short-lived v21F release, and I apologise in advance to those who've installed v21F. I normally would have done upgrade packs, but I just don't have the time at the moment to create them.

v22F

WHDLoad launcher now has auto-search scripts for games/demos and full built-in support

Various small improvements, bug fixes and optimizations. None serious.

Kind of a forced update this one. It was pointed out to me that kickstart images, required for WHDLoad, were left in the packs. These had to be removed immediately so while doing this I took the opportunity to update and optimize the Workbench setups further. The webpage has also had some extra information added to cover the newer features and WHDLoad kickstart requirements.

v23F

WHDLoad kickstart files removed (now have to be added manually)

iGame added as another option to launch WHDLoad titles (not in GAAE or LITE)

Quite a large update, with some essential features added. The multiboot features have had a big facelift in preparation for fully integrating KillerGorilla's Launcher in the future. The current support for KGLoad is in its beta phase, but it should be easy to upgrade it as KillerGorilla releases new versions.

A new 68K version of the ClassicWB LITE is now available for those with A500/600's and 3.1 ROMS. The GAAE is still supported for standard 2.0 ROM users.

The OS39 version has finally been released, but I decided to keep it as a private download request rather than go public as it's not a "Classic Workbench" in my opinion - that still falls in the area of 3.0/1. I also don't want everyone bypassing the 3.0/1 Scalos packs and heading straight for 3.9 just because it's newer - I still think the 3.0/1 packs are better, unless you require native 4GB+ support and large Glowicons.

The OS39 pack may be converted over to support OS3.5 in the future, but I think someone will have to offer to do the job as I don't feel motivated myself. I simply have too many versions already!

v24

WHDLoad Crash/Dump files removed saving 2MB - left there by accident!

Script attributes added to executable scripts in C: directory so they can be launched via shell

That means an up-to-date WHDLoad and some nice extras, plus one or two fixes to issues that popped up during the year.

The main changes in these packs are large drive support to bring them on par with OS39, loads of new DOS drivers for flash card users and a nice optimised iGame artwork pack that a user can install while activating.

Speaking of OS3.9, this year once again brings new members to the family – previous years the 68000 versions surfaced, this year ClassicWB OS35 and OS39! They're available for public download, a long time coming I know.

Enjoy my friends!

v25

Many DOS Drivers added – CFD, Fat95, Fat32, NTFS, EXT2 to name a few.

AmiCDFS2 added to the My Files/Install drawer

Help files tidied up – better organised

AWebb default settings optimized

Assign system for games, demos and system drawers simplified

Ability to move Games/Demos and user drawers to other partitions now even easier

What this means is the packs now have a nice low mem option for launching WHDLoad games, especially using the Multi-Boot functions - but be aware the launcher is not considered a final complete release. What Zetro has done in a short period of time is brilliant and I'd like to thank him for making it fit into the packs so snugly. Future releases should just drop into place, so keep an eye out for Zetro activity.

Also big in the new packs is Rebel's optimized 16 palette which Cammy helped test and show off with her fantastic advice and screenshots. This palette made it possible to include some theme choices during install in order to add a little spice to the ClassicWB appearence. No Birdie or replacement skins are provided - this is after all a ClassicWB - but look out for Rebel's and Cammy's info regarding new icons and skins if you want to take things further. Big thanks to those two.

Also must mention PixelOz, who gave permission to include one of his wallpapers in the packs from this thread http://eab.abime.net/showthread.php?t=38694 . mfilos kind of gave me the incentive to include it, after posting a Rebel optimized 16 colour screenshot. I thought it looked great, so in it went!

All the packs have a better install routine now, with more options that make the biggest differences. Not all options are covered however, so still check the Settings menus for enable/disable options as in past releases.

Here are some changes - I'm terrible at keeping this part clear and always forget stuff. So in no particular order: